Fact check: What was the role of Fusion GPS in the Trump Russia investigation?

1. Summary of the results

Fusion GPS played a central role in the Trump-Russia investigation through multiple interconnected activities. The opposition research firm, founded by Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch, was initially hired by the Washington Free Beacon, a conservative online newspaper, to conduct opposition research on Donald Trump ^[1]. However, the Free Beacon had no knowledge of or connection to what would later become the controversial Steele dossier ^[1].

The firm's most significant contribution came when they hired Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence officer, to investigate Trump's potential ties to Russia ^[2]. This investigation resulted in the creation of the Steele dossier, which suggested Russia had compromising information on Trump ^[2]. The dossier became a crucial piece of evidence in the broader Trump-Russia investigation, though its publication later became a source of controversy ^[3].

Fusion GPS also employed Nellie Ohr as a contractor, whose work contributed to the FBI and DOJ's Crossfire Hurricane investigation ^[4]. Her husband, Bruce Ohr, was involved with the Department of Justice, creating additional connections between Fusion GPS and federal law enforcement agencies ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal significant missing context regarding the controversial aspects of Fusion GPS's role. Nellie Ohr provided false information to Congress about her contributions to the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, yet the FBI failed to prosecute her for lying to Congress ^[4]. This raises questions about potential prosecutorial bias and selective enforcement.

The FBI's conduct during this period appears problematic, as the agency engaged in obstructive conduct that prevented agents from reviewing all relevant information related to the investigation ^[4]. This suggests that the full scope of Fusion GPS's influence may have been deliberately obscured from investigators.

Political motivations are evident on multiple sides: conservative outlets like the Washington Free Beacon initially funded opposition research against Trump ^[1], while later Democratic interests continued funding the investigation that produced the Steele dossier. The founders of Fusion GPS, Simpson and Fritsch, expressed frustration with conspiracy theories surrounding their work, claiming they were simply trying to uncover the truth about Trump's ties to Russia ^[3].

Russian interference efforts benefited from the discord created by these investigations, as the Fusion GPS founders acknowledged that Russia succeeded in sowing discord through their efforts ^[2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and factual, seeking information about Fusion GPS's role rather than making claims. However, the framing could potentially lead to incomplete understanding if not accompanied by the full context of:

• The bipartisan origins of the opposition research, beginning with conservative funding before transitioning to Democratic interests
• The documented false testimony provided by key Fusion GPS contractor Nellie Ohr to Congress ^[4]
• The FBI's obstructive conduct in handling related investigations ^[4]
• The controversy surrounding the publication of the Steele dossier, which even its creators found problematic ^[3]

The question's neutrality could mask the highly partisan nature of how Fusion GPS's role has been interpreted and weaponized by different political factions, each benefiting from emphasizing different aspects of the firm's activities.